DURHAM, N.C. – The final NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Poll was released this week with Duke tabbed No. 18, following its run to the NCAA Quarterfinals under the direction of head coach Robbie Church.

The Blue Devils collected a 9-9-6 record on the season and reached the Elite Eight for the third straight year for the first time in Duke history. Duke advanced on penalty kicks at 24th-ranked Colorado College, downed sixth-ranked Florida, 1-0, in the second round, advanced on penalty kicks against Arkansas in the third round before falling, 3-0, at top-seeded Virginia Tech.

Duke is expected to return five starters in 2014 – Cobb, Toni Payne, Lizzy Raben, Christina Gibbons and Kara Wilson. The Blue Devils will also return midfielder Gilda Doria and 2012 National Freshman of the Year Cassie Pecht, who were both out the entire season with injuries. Thomas and Straton will graduate in 2013 but each has the option to return for a fifth year.